Medvedev to Olympic officials: Quit now

MOSCOW, March 1 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called Monday for the country's Olympic officials to resign after its disappointing performance at the Winter Games.

"Those who bear responsibility for the Olympic preparations should take responsibility immediately," Medvedev said at a meeting with the leadership of the ruling United Russia party, the RIA Novosti news agency reported. "Those responsible should take a courageous decision and submit their resignations."

RIA Novosti did not name specific Russian Olympic officials.

In one of its worst Olympic performances ever, Russia won only three gold medals and 15 medals overall in Vancouver.

Medvedev demanded an overhaul of athletic training in the country.

"Colossal money was being invested" in developing athletes, he said, adding that the Winter Games proved "money cannot do everything."

"The athlete, not federations, those fat cats, must be given priority," Medvedev said.

RIA Novosti said the Kremlin was "appalled" by Russia's "dismal" performance at the Vancouver Olympics.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has called for an analysis of Russia's performance before the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.